A stone wall being built in Westerly is turning heads. The story behind the labor of love

John Washburn, a fourth-generation stonemason, constructs a 200-foot granite wall in Westerly, estimated to be worth over $300,000, as a tribute to his grandmother. This project began last winter when cold weather halted construction work, allowing him to keep his seven-man crew employed. Washburn's grandmother recently bought a home in Westerly, highlighting the need for fencing repairs. Employing traditional masonry techniques, his crew uses electric blankets to thaw the ground and carefully arranges stones to fit snugly. Despite the craftsmanship involved, Washburn expressed concern over the declining number of stonemasons in Rhode Island.

The wall's design not only showcases skilled labor but also reflects engineering ingenuity, standing approximately 3 feet tall and weighing about 400,000 pounds upon completion. Local residents have taken notice, with Washburn gaining celebrity status for his work. His grandmother has begun compiling a photo album of his projects, further emphasizing the personal significance of this endeavor.